Why does the Church say it’s acceptable to be a patriot as well as Christian?

Full Question

Why is it acceptable for Catholics to say the Pledge of Allegiance? A Protestant friend has a problem with putting his hand on his heart and making an oath to a flag. Why does the Church say it’s acceptable to be a patriot as well as Christian?

Answer

Being a patriot is not in opposition to being a Christian. We don’t worship the country we love anymore than we worship the people we love. Because God comes first it doesn’t follow that no one or nothing can came second and third. Our Lord said to “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Luke 20:25).

1 comment

It’s amazing that so many have such a superficial understanding of otherwise simple matters. Many protestants actually believe that when Catholics pray to saints, such as the Virgin Mary, that they are worshiping the saint. In reality, the church teaches that this would be a mortal sin. We pray to saints in recognition and respect for their piety and faithfulness .. NEVER in worship. I find it amazing that athiests and protestants all seem to be “experts” on the catholic church, having received all if their information from other protestants and athiests.